Shichahai (Chinese: 什刹海; pinyin: Shíchàhǎi) is an historic scenic area consisting of three lakes in the north of central Beijing in China. They are located to the north-west of the Forbidden City and north-west of the Beihai Lake. Shichahai consists of the following three lakes: Qianhai (前海), Xihai (西海) and Houhai (后海). In imperial times it was called the Riverbank (Chinese: 河沿; pinyin: héyán).
Shichahai consists of 147 hectares and dates back to the Jin Dynasty. From the time of the Yuan Dynasty it was the northernmost part of the Grand Canal linking Hangzhou in the south to Beijing in the North of China. Because of this, the Shichahai area used to be the most important commercial district with all kinds of activities going on. It harbors several temples and mansions.
Around the lake there are ten famous Taoist and Buddhist temples and several formal royal mansions and gardens. The most well known are the Prince Gong Mansion (恭亲王府) and the Prince Chun Mansion (醇亲王府).
The borders of the lakes are surrounded by large trees. Shichahai is a famous scenic spot in Beijing, and it is near the north-gate of the Beihai Park. In the summer tourists can rent boats to paddle on the lakes. In the winter many people come to ice-skate.
In 1992 the municipal government of Beijing declared the district an "Historical and Cultural Scenic District"
If you bring a waterproof bag, to help put one for cache, thank you!